Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is a viral infection characterized by a painful red rash and blisters. According to the Mayo Clinic, the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chicken pox, also causes shingles.
Location
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, shingles is commonly located in a band form, called a dermatome, along your trunk.
Complications
Complications of shingles include postherpetic neuralgia (a condition characterized by continual pain), loss of vision and neurological (brain) problems such as hearing or balance problems, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Treatment
You can take antiviral medications like acyclovir or famcyclovir to treat shingles.
Diagnosis
The Mayo Clinic states that a thorough physical skin examination is necessary to diagnose shingles. Your doctor will inspect your skin and ask you specific questions about when your symptoms started. She may also obtain a biopsy (skin sample) to further examine the rash and blister under a microscope.
Prognosis
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, shingles can subside after three to five weeks. Usually, the blisters leave no scars.
